Walking the Ridgeway: Bury Down to Nuffield
The Ridgeway – Bury Down to Nuffield (24.1 miles)
Beginning the three day adventure at Bury Down carpark, I headed straight along the grassy route until I descended and headed under the A34 underpass. Local scenes had been painted on the underpass walls.
Going south, moving away from the A34, East Illsley appeared on the right. Gallops and farmland buildings are the main focus of the scenery, before turning left and ascending over a dismantled railway. A Roman temple (or the remains of) existed at Lewbury Hill to the left. I took a break Warren Farm before heading east with Streatley Warren on my right. It was a large expansive valley like landscape running parallel to the Ridgeway. I walked along the road for a time, passing some pretty cottages before going past a golf course and going into Streatley itself. It boasts beautiful views of the River Thames as you pass over the bridges.
The Thames becomes your companion for a time as you follow it north going out of Goring. The railway flanks you on the right before entering the cute village of South Stoke. I joined the Thames again watching rowers and herons as I proceeded under the viaduct. You then come to the beautiful village of North Stoke. Passing through Mogewell, I turned east and crossed the main road. You then proceed along a narrow, seemingly remote path, covered by trees, that becomes Grim’s Ditch (an ancient bank and earthwork).
I passed through a beautiful bluebell wood (Oaken Copse) before passing a large array of beach trees. You head into Nuffield (I almost missed the turning left after the church). Avoiding flying golf balls, I weaved through the golf course at Nuffield Common. Crossing the busy A4130, I crossed an open field and arrived at the cross roads with the Chiltern Way. This was the end of my Ridgeway Walk for today.
To get to my destination for the night, I went along the Chiltern Way (East) through yet more beautiful bluebell woods (Hazel wood) where I saw two roe deer (one was a stag). Going along Digberry Lane, I then went past some stables before finally reaching Nettlebed, and getting to The White Hart – A welcome site! Day 1 of 3 done!
Part 8 - Nuffield to Wendover »
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